Modern Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Abstract

Patients with hemodynamic instability when conservative measures are not effective remain a significant challenge for the intensive care specialists. Surgically implantable systems, which require considerable amount of time to insert and a cardiosurgery team, which is not present in smaller medical centres are not applicable in these situations. Significant mortality of patients predispone the develompement of minimally invasive and quickly applicable left ventricle assisting devices. The most commonly used and evaluated percutaneous assist systems are the intra- aortic balloon pump, the Impella pump, the Tandem-Heart and venoarterial ECMO.